Getting There & Away: Beirut

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) serves as Lebanon's sole operational international airport, located approximately 9 kilometers south of the city center.

Air Hubs

Middle East Airlines (MEA) is Lebanon's national carrier, with flights across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Many international airlines also fly to BEY, including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and Turkish Airlines.
Direct flights come from major European capitals and Middle Eastern/North African cities.

Flight Planning & Services

Flight prices vary by season. BEY offers a range of facilities for travelers.

Seasonal Tips & Airport Amenities

High season (June-August) and holidays mean peak prices; book 3-6 months ahead.
Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer more moderate prices. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are good resources.
BEY includes duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, lounges, and Wi-Fi.

Airport Taxis

Official airport taxis are available. Always confirm the fare in USD before starting the trip (typically $20-$30 USD to central Beirut).

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Bolt operate from BEY. Apps show fares in advance and offer trip tracking. Prices are competitive.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels offer airport transfer services, meeting you at arrivals. These are often more expensive but very convenient.

Land Transportation

Regional Travel & Borders

Syrian Border: Land crossings are open, but foreign governments advise against travel due to security risks.
Israeli Border: This border is closed. No official crossings for civilians exist. Travel to Israel stamps lead to denied entry.
Train Services: Lebanon's railway network is not operational for passenger services.
Long-Distance Buses: Affordable option for travel between Beirut and other cities. Hubs include Cola Intersection and Charles Helou Bus Station.

Self-Driving in Lebanon

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory, along with your national license.
Major international car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) operate at BEY and in the city. DiscoverCars.com is a resource.
Beirut traffic is heavy, congested, and chaotic. Driving is challenging.
Road conditions vary. Military and police checkpoints are common; have documents ready.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry Services

Beirut Port is mainly a commercial hub. It occasionally hosts cruise ships. No regular international passenger ferry services operate to or from Beirut.

River Transportation

Lebanon's river systems do not serve as transportation routes for tourists. River travel is not a means for getting around or arriving in Beirut.

Local Boat Tours

Zaitunay Bay offers short pleasure boat rides or charters along the coast, but no public water transportation system for commuting exists.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Generally, no separate exit fees are payable at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport; these fees are typically included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Recommendations

Arrive at BEY at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight.
Security checks at BEY can be thorough; allocate sufficient time.
Factor in Beirut's traffic when planning your journey to the airport, especially during peak hours.

Airport Facilities

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport has facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities for Departing Passengers

Duty-free shops are available for last-minute purchases.
Lounges provide comfortable waiting areas before your flight.
Cafes and restaurants for food and drinks.

Currency Conversion

Convert any remaining Lebanese Pounds (LBP) back to US Dollars before departure.

Exchange at Airport

Currency exchange offices are available at the airport.
Airport rates might not be as favorable as those found in the city.
Convert only what you need for small purchases before heading to the airport.

Peace of Mind

Ensure all your travel documents are in order and consider any final preparations to streamline your departure experience.

Final Checks

Verify luggage allowances and weight limits for your flight.
Confirm your flight status before leaving for the airport.
Have your passport and boarding pass ready for security and immigration.

Sea & River Departures

Beirut Port

Beirut Port is mainly for commercial cargo. Occasional cruise ships dock, but no regular passenger ferry services depart for international destinations.

River Transport

Lebanon's rivers do not feature a public transport system for departures or arrivals. This mode of transport is not a viable option for tourists.

Private Charters

Private boat charters for pleasure rides may depart from Zaitunay Bay, but these are not for standard passenger transport to other cities or countries.

Getting There & Away